Immersive virtual reality-assisted anatomy training improves endotracheal intubation performance in simulation: a randomized controlled trial among Chinese non-anesthesiology residents.
Xu-Feng Zhang, Xia Xu, Dong Ye et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared immersive virtual reality (IVR)-assisted with conventional anatomy training for endotracheal intubation (ETI) among 90 novice non-anesthesiology residents in China’s Standardized Residency Training program. On manikin assessment, the IVR group scored higher on the task-specific checklist (90.34 ± 2.89 vs. 87.20 ± 3.29; p < 0.001), while Global Rating Scale scores were comparable. Both groups improved their written knowledge scores, with a greater gain in the IVR group (54.0% vs. 36.3%; p < 0.001). IVR participants also reported greater motivation, confidence, enjoyment, and preference for their training method.
Key findings
- Task-specific checklist scores were higher with IVR than conventional training (90.34 ± 2.89 vs. 87.20 ± 3.29; p < 0.001).
- Global Rating Scale scores were comparable between groups.
- Knowledge gains were greater with IVR than conventional training (54.0% vs. 36.3%; p < 0.001).
- IVR participants more often preferred their training method (80.8%) and reported higher motivation, confidence, and enjoyment (all p < 0.05).
Why it matters
ETI training requires both anatomical understanding and practical skill. In this trial, IVR-assisted anatomy teaching improved performance on a task-specific simulator checklist and produced larger knowledge gains, although not higher overall Global Rating Scale scores. These results suggest that training format may influence some learning outcomes and learner experience in novice residents.
What to keep in mind
Performance was assessed on a manikin simulator; the abstract does not report whether the observed differences translate to clinical intubation performance or patient outcomes.